Interchangable insert and shoe base system

ABSTRACT

A footwear system that is comprised of a shoe base that houses an interchangeable insert. The proposed system when assembled creates a completed shoe. Assembly can be accomplished via various attachment methods. Once attached the insert can also be removed from and placed into any of the different shoe-bases as desired. The insert is selected based on the user&#39;s foot size, comfort and support needs. A complete set of inserts which meet the majority of users sizes and foot structure types will be designed and available as part of the product line. The interchangeable nature allows the shoe base to be designed and styled in any number of ways, different uses, appearances, and configurations. The insert will be able to be interchanged from shoe to shoe such as closed shoe to an open shoe; like an athletic shoe to a heel or a dress shoe to a sandal and vice versa. The result is that various types of inserts can be embedded within the shoe base, on top of the shoe base, below the shoe base or a mixture of the three allowing custom comfort for open shoes, closed shoes, athletic footwear, sandals, heels etc. over a wide range of user types and sizes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates in general to footwear and, more particularly to a shoe system, which is uniquely constructed to house interchangeable inserts.

BACKGROUND ART

Many attempts have been made to develop shoes that are fashionable and comfortable for men and women. But people's feet and stride are different and come with an array of needs for cushion, proper support and bio mechanics. Previous attempts are abundant with footwear including changeable components to achieve many purposes.

Previous efforts have been executed in a manner that could be considered ornamental effects to increase the style and diversity of a shoe, such as shown in Santa Ana's U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,084. Other efforts have been directed toward alternation in components for style, purposes of color and design; see Smith's U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,649; Bailey's U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,369; Halford's U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,385; Blakey's U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2001/0052195 A1; Dupree et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,484; and Dupree's U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,447. Within each given model they have limited adjustment to the firmness of the shoe or construction to provide proper cushion, support or bio mechanics.

Additionally, various efforts have been made to create versatile shoe for athletic purposes. Most of such attempts have been for one specific athletic purpose or another (e.g. roller skating or bowling), such as Yang's U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,392. Other interchangeable shoes focused on creating a sole suitable for insertion of tools to practice various sports as shown by Schaefer's U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,295 and Aveni's U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,948.

There has been some focus on creating a versatile water shoe, although not interchangeable, serving many purposes as shown by Merk's U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,740 and Lochbaum's U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,565.

Yet other inventions have focused on making a comfortable, affordable, easy to use versatile shoe. For example, Throneburg's U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,753 discloses a footwear system that includes a sock specifically made for the shoe. There are many that have different methods to make the shoe more comfortable although not interchangeable, Nawachi's U.S. Pat. No. 7,707,747 B2, Baier's U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,808, Chen's U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,565 B1. These examples may provide additional comfort, support or bio mechanics but are limited in their construction. It is typically with a cushion material so the shoe doesn't feel as rigid and one standard of support across the width and length with adjustments and curves to compensate for the height of the shoe. They have no or limited adjustments to the firmness or shape of the cushion and construction is limited in its ability to be adjusted to provide different types of support and bio mechanics.

There are those who have developed inserts and orthotics that provide support, comfort and proper bio mechanics with some of the earliest examples being from Daggett U.S. Pat. No. 55,247, Byrne's U.S. Pat. No. 989,894, Jay's U.S. Pat. No. 2,129,424. There have been many variations and ideas on how to execute this as shown by Brown's U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,409, Barna's U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,824 Lidkte U.S. Pat. No. D625,501 S, Schwartz's U.S. Pat. No. 4,338,734. These inserts and orthotics will be referenced as “The Insert” which is very limited in the shoe designs it can be used. They are generally bulky and slide within the shoe. Because of this, to function properly for which it needs the shoe construction around it to keep it in place as they are generally not secured to the shoe. Most people do not know if they need an additional insert within the shoe they currently own since shoes vary drastically from an athletic shoe to a 2 inch heel. If they felt a need for an insert, they generally would not know what kind would be proper for their shoe, foot or stride. Another major factor is that inserts are designed from a set plane on the bottom which will be referenced as “The Cradle” of the insert. The cradle section is then built up for support, comfort, and bio mechanics. The top of the shoe structures running board has a plane that the insert is placed upon which will be referenced as “The Cavity” of the shoe base. The cavity is designed with varied planes from shoe design to shoe design. The plane where the structure of the shoe cavity and the structure of the insert cradle come together will be referenced as the “start point.” Since shoes are designed with a cavity plane that is structured in so many different ways, an insert with a preset cradle plane becomes compromised once it is placed within the start point. Since shoes typically are not designed to accommodate a specific external insert, the effectiveness of the insert is limited. If a shoe has a slight lift, cushion, or anything that would make the plane different from the inset the integrity of the insert could be compromised. This could lead to improper support, cushion and bio mechanics by causing a section of the insert to be concaved, convex, tilted, rippled or bunched. Therefore the product and benefit to the user are compromised. To work properly, the shoe would have to be designed with the insert in mind. By doing this, they would need to have a compatible start point, in order that the insert is not compromised in function. Lastly when an insert is placed within a shoe the space it consumes is typically designed for the foot to use. Thus the added thickness within the cavity could cause the shoe to be tight. Since the shoe wasn't designed to hold a specific insert this could lead to improper pressure on top of the foot, arch, toes or any other part of the foot making the shoe uncomfortable. The added pressure causes inward pressure on the foot compromising the effectiveness of the insert as it can cause over support in any given area.

Furthermore, there have been far less attempts in inserts designed in a way for use with an open shoe that does not enclose the foot such as a sandal and many women's shoe designs. Such as Crane, Avent and Thompson's U.S. Pat. No. 7,120,126 B2.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art in shoes, inserts, and orthotics heretofore known. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, a footwear system and structure that is comprised of a shoe base that houses an interchangeable insert. The interchangeable nature allows the shoe base to be designed and styled in any number of ways, different uses, appearances, and configurations to coincide with the interchangeable insert. The system includes a methodology for fitting the user's unique characteristics with the appropriate insert. Each insert is selected for custom comfort and can be inserted and removed to any of the different shoe bases. Various types of inserts can be embedded within the shoe structure, on top of the structure, below the structure or a mixture of the three allowing custom comfort for open shoes, closed shoes, athletic footwear, sandals, or heels. The insert will is interchanged from shoe to shoe such as a closed shoe to an open shoe; like an athletic shoe to a heel or a dress shoe to a sandal and vice versa.

We are able to accomplish this interchangeable shoe system since all of our shoe bases are developed to provide the same start point with each insert providing comfort, support and bio mechanics without compromise to the insert. The start point could be flat, concaved, convex, rippled, notched, tilted or any other plane where the shoe and insert come together and are compatible. The start point is where we develop all structure underneath with the shoe base of the shoe and above with the insert to provide comfort, support and bio mechanics no matter the combination of comfort, support, bio mechanics, design or style a user would need or want.

The shoe base structure is developed with everything complete and designed including the cavity section where the insert will be attached. The cavity is left open and allows for any number of attaching methods to secure it. It could be embedded within the shoe structure, on top of the structure, below the structure or a mixture of the three. Since we are only looking for a compatible start point for the insert to be attached the designs and styles are unlimited.

The interchangeable nature of the insert is developed to have any number of supportive structures which could include, but not limited to, pronation, neutral, and cavus foot movement. They are all designed with the compatible start point as the shoe base. Since the insert is designed to fit anyone of our shoe design options, it can be embedded within the shoe structure, on top of the structure, below the structure or a mixture of the three. It is not limited to any shoe design or style and can be interchanged with all of them without compromise to the comfort, support and biomechanics it was designed to deliver.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

The present invention constitutes a significant improvement in several aspects over such previously indentified efforts of the cited references and the prior art. Although the abovementioned patent examples may be suitable for the particular purposes that they address, they are not suitable for the purposes of the present invention heretofore described.

Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a shoe system for men, women, and children that have components of an interchangeable nature which are uniquely independent to provide greatly improved, quick and simple alteration of the shoe to affect numerous benefits permitted by said components.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shoe of the character stated which will accommodate various foot sizes and yet, for all such sizes is not only comfortable to the wearer, but also retains unlimited choice in design and style.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the footwear system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an insert designed for interchangeable use with the footwear system of FIG. 1A, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a perspective top plan view of the footwear according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective side elevation view of the footwear according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an insert designed for interchangeable use with the footwear system of FIG. 3B, FIG. 3D, FIG. 3F, FIG. 3H, according to each embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of footwear system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 3B and 3A, respectively;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of footwear system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 3D and 3A, respectively

FIG. 3F is a perspective view of footwear system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3G is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 3F and 3A, respectively

FIG. 3H is a perspective view of footwear system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3I is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 3H and 3A, respectively

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an insert designed for use with the footwear system of FIG. 4D, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an insert designed for use with the footwear system of FIG. 4D, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an insert designed for use with the footwear system of FIG. 4D, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of footwear system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 4A and 4D, respectively

FIG. 4F is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 4B and 4D, respectively

FIG. 4G is a perspective view of the combination of the systems footwear and insert of FIGS. 4C and 4D, respectively

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED

Referring first to FIG. 1A-B, The present footwear system invention embodies an interchangeable article of footwear 100. As shown, the footwear 100 includes a lower sole referred herein as a shoe base 102, however, it could be a shoe, boot, sandal or any art of design within the footwear spectrum, and the word shoe base is meant to cover all of the above. It also includes an upper sole referred herein as an insert 104 adapted to be housed by the shoe base 102. It is illustrated to show the ability of the insert 104 to be attached and removed from the shoe base 102. This is accomplished by placing the cradle 108 within the cavity 106. As FIGS. 2 and 3 show, the shoe base 102 includes a united toe portion 112, central portion 114, and a heel portion 116 of the shoe making it a single unit. The shoe base 102 may be made of various materials such as inflexible materials including wood, metal, and the like or flexible materials including rubber, plastic, leather, fabric or man-made materials.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A-3I, illustrated to show the interchangeability of the shoe base 102 FIGS. 3B, 3D, 3F, 3H with the insert 104 FIG. 3A so that the shoe base 102 in FIG. 3C is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 3A and the shoe base 102 FIG. 3B, the shoe base 102 FIG. 3E is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 3A and the shoe base 102 FIG. 3D, the shoe base 102 FIG. 3G is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 3A and the shoe base 102 FIG. 3F, the shoe base 102 FIG. 3I is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 3A and the shoe base 102 FIG. 3H. The shoe base 102 in FIGS. 3B, 3C is illustrated in the art of an athletic shoe. The shoe base 102 in FIGS. 3D, 3E is illustrated in the art of a sandal. The shoe base 102 in FIGS. 3F, 3G is illustrated in the art of a dress shoe. The shoe base 102 in FIGS. 3H, 3I is illustrated in the art of a heel. With the shoe systems it is understood that each art form represented as well as every art form not represented such as a boot ect is able to house the same interchangeable insert 104.

FIGS. 4A-4G, illustrated to show the interchangeability of the insert 104 FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C with the shoe base 102 FIG. 4D so that insert 104 FIG. 4E is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 4A and the shoe base 102 FIG. 4D, the insert 104 FIG. 4F is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 4B and the shoe base 102 FIG. 4D, the insert 104 FIG. 4G is the combination of the insert 104 FIG. 4C and the shoe base 102 FIG. 4D. The insert 104 FIG. 4A is illustrated to show variance in an insert which could be for pronated foot movement. The insert 104 FIG. 4B is illustrated to show variance in an insert which could be for nutural foot movement. The insert 104 FIG. 4C is illustrated to show variance in an insert which could be for cavus foot movement. With the shoe systems it is understood that each insert art form represented as well as every art form not represented is able to be interchangeable and housed in each shoe base.

FIG. 5 illustrates the physical interrelationship between the shoe base 102 and the Insert 104. The start point 110 is where the cradle 108 and the cavity 106 come together.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. 

1. An interchangeable footwear apparatus comprising: a) A shoe base wherein said shoe base is capable of accepting a plurality of inserts that may be on top of said shoe base, below said shoe base, embedded within said shoe base, or a mixture; b) Said inserts may come along a plurality of said shoe base that may be on top of said shoe base, below said shoe base, embedded within said shoe base, or a mixture;
 2. An apparatus disclosed in claim 1 wherein said insert may be interchangeable with a plurality of said shoes;
 3. An apparatus disclosed in claim 1 wherein said inserts interchangeable nature with said shoes allows for freedom of choice with said shoe design and style;
 4. An apparatus disclosed in claim 1 wherein said shoe may be interchangeable with a plurality of said inserts;
 5. An apparatus disclosed in claim 1 wherein said shoes interchangeable nature with said insert allows for freedom of comfort, fit, support, biomechanics, look and or any other benefit;
 6. An apparatus disclosed in claim 1 wherein said insert may have materials and or designs to provide comfort, fit, support, biomechanics, look and or any other benefit;
 7. An apparatus disclosed in claim 1 wherein said shoe and said insert may have an attacher for attaching; 